Saudi Arabia orders Eurofighter Typhoons in up to 10 bln stg package - report

LONDON (AFX) - Eurofighter secured its first significant export order, when the UK agreed a deal worth up to 10 bln stg to replace Saudi Arabias fleet of Tornado fighter aircraft, the Financial Times reported.

The agreement is understood to be for 48 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, with an option for a further 24, people close to the talks told the newspaper.

The hugely over-budget Eurofighter is a joint development between BAE Systems, EADS and Finmeccanica.

The deal followed news yesterday of a framework agreement on closer defence ties between the UK and Saudi governments. [e-mail] jms

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